Reproductive success of the rare endemic Orchis galilaea (Orchidaceae) in Lebanon

Authors: NISRINE MACHAKA HOURI, MOHAMMAD SOUHEIL AL-ZEIN, DUNCAN BRIAN WESTBURY, SALMA NASHABE TALHOUK

Abstract: The biology and ecology of Orchis galilaea Schltr., a species endemic to Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan, is poorly studied, a fact that hinders present and future management and conservation efforts concerning this species. In this paper, we report findings of a field investigation that assessed the impact of altitude, population density, and plant size on the reproductive success of O. galilaea. The results revealed that plant size and population density were significantly correlated with reproductive success while altitude was not. This study is part of ongoing research on the ecological responses of O. galilaea and provides a baseline for understanding the conservation potentials for this rare endemic species.

Keywords: Altitude, population density, plant size, fruit set, deceptive pollination, conservation

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